Mac pulls out of CBO debate
(CNS): Delegates looking forward to seeing former premier McKeeva Bush Thursday afternoon at the CBO’s political debate were disappointed as he pulled out of what had promised to be an interesting debate with his former UDP colleague, Rolston Anglin, who is now deputy premier, and Leader of the Opposition Alden McLaughlin. Although it had been announced that he would be appearing at the CBO conference, the UDP leader sent word that, as it was the anniversary of his daughter's death, he had decided not to participate. He was replaced by backbench MLA Ellio Solomon, who joined political veterans Anglin and McLaughlin for the debate, moderated by Cayman 27’s Ben Meade.
Although Bush was listed in the programme and seen as a key figure to take part in the planned panel debate, the former premier has remained absent from the conference.
After three previous show stopping 'State of the Nation’ addresses at the CBO and his lively participation in a head-to-head with the then leader of government business Kurt Tibbetts in January 2009 ahead of the election that year, there were high expectations for a classic Bush performance during the debate, given his recent arrest and fall from office.
The State of the Nation address was delivered Thursday morning by the new premier, on her return from London. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly gave an account of where the country stands at the start of 2013 but with none of the surprise announcements that her predecessor was prone to deliver when he was on the same platform.
O’Connor-Connolly concentrated on the need for stability, especially in regard to the Cayman Islands’ relationship with the UK. She said that quiet diplomacy had achieved more than confrontation and said she had “rekindled the lost spirit of understanding”, also noting the need for a healthy partnership with the UK and mutual respect.
Although she said that Cayman was not out of the “dark woods” of economic recession yet and that many people were feeling the pinch, there was plenty of room for hope, she said, as she pointed to the positive recent developments for Cayman in terms of tourism and an improvement in the first six months of this financial year in government revenue.
She said that core government, excluding government companies and statutory authorities, had at the half way point of this fiscal year collected more revenue than anticipated and had spent less money. As a result, with spending down by $11 million and revenue up around $6 million, it was on target for a $17 million increase in the forecast surplus of some $82 million.
The premier also spoke about the same projects that the premier had depended on as Cayman’s economic saviours, such as the Shetty Hospital, Cayman Enterprise City and the ForCayman Investment Alliance, but the new premier also noted the importance of transparency when it came to the cruise berthing facilities. However, so far the interim government has shown less inclination towards transparency when it comes to the Dart deal and in particular the still undisclosed KPMG report.
Pointing to the increase in work permits as a positive indicator that the economy was on the turn as businesses looked to increase staff, the new premier urged the private sector to help government tackle unemployment in the local population and rise to the challenge of creating a sustainable economy in Cayman.
Category: Politics
The Country would be in a whole lot better state if more of us would pull out more often.
For someone with such a gift of the gab, he sure sounded like a broken record. Each time Foolio spoke it irked me as he cannot control his anger. Foolio seemed confused when Alden pointed out that Foolio (UDP) supported income taxes. Apparently Foolio forgot MAC / UDP suggested it a few months back. To be honest, any time spent listening to Foolio is a waste of my time. So much so I walked out. Life is too short.
YOU DON’T NEED A CAIN THIS TIME
Don’t under estimate Foolio he’s good at bait & switch. He stole my vote last election because I was foolish enough to fall for a guy that talk’s big garbage and good looks how can I go wrong?
He was against Mac’s other government blasting him on the radio every opportunity. Foolio blasted the PPM every time he picked up the microphone. He even had his own website Cay-politics blasting away and we never found out who paid for it. But Foolio was the perfect Trojan horse for anyone that made him an offer he couldn’t refuse and that was Mac. That is why Foolio stuck with his lord and master against the people. I was the dummy that believed Foolio was for the people. He is for himself and whatever he can get make no mistake about it. He put all the things he attacked to defend Mac who is as selfish as he is. Them first, big money second and the people last. Stevie Wonder can see through this but I couldn’t.
I have never known Mac to back down from any fight.
Furthermore, one can say or think many negative things about him, but from what I know of the man, I highly doubt he would cowardly "hide" behind the loss of his own flesh and blood at a time like this.
I extend my sympathy to him and his family – Tonya was always a delight to be around. May she rest in peace.
I think they should put up a boxing ring and have a McLaughlin – Foolio rematch. I would pay a lot of money to watch that.
I don't think Ellio is looking for a rematch any time soon.
What can Foolio debate about? Hope they seperate him from Alden.
That's the problem when a thousand people turn up to help you celebrate your birthday. One of them is bound to remind you of something sad.
Not to sound heartless but he would have known it was the amminersary of tonya’s death from the day he signed up. Why not turn down e invitation from day 1?! Why not excuse yourself with reason before the event is advertised, programs printed, etc.
Just sounds like he got cold feet to me.
Agreed 100%.
This just strengthens my point that Rolston Anglin and makbush are the same person
I respect his decision
If his reason for not participating is indeed as stated he must not have known the date of the event when he agreed to it. Was the date changed? If not then his explanation is not credible.
Really? Surely he would have known in advance that the CBO appearance and anniversary datecoincided. Why give a commitment then withdraw?
You respect his decision to break another promise at the last moment? The reason is just. The Action is disrespectfull, coweredly, and normal for Caymans leadership of late. Cayman needs a leadership that can actully plan more than aday in advance.
Our thoughts are with you and Kerry at this sad time. May God give you both strength and endurance.
This government has to know that the Dart deal is not all it is cracked up to be, but I suspect that they are in too deep to do anything about it. I also believe that one of them has a company that does work for Dart so that also adds to the mix. Really and truly, in my opinion they should call Dart back to the drawing board and say to him, while we'd like to continue this alliance with you for both our benefits, I think we need to be a bit more fair about what each one is getting and get some more benefits for the government. One thing straight off is that Dart should be paying the full hotel accommodation tax just like everyone else. He's already been given a lucrative package and I'd estimate he has two thirds of the gains while goverment is only getting one third. So there is room to negotiate some more and end with a happy medium for all.
A reasonable remark. BTW I believe the pol’s company that does work for KD is looking for a CEO at about $120,000.00 ci a year. Looks like they be generating a little cash. Weeeeoooo!
When the ex-premier took office, I made a comment to my family that we were now going to have a dictatorship instead of a democracy. I recall when Mr. Bush was the Leader of Government Business years ago. I was the assistant manager of one of the hotels on 7 Mile Beach and had to deal with Mr. Bush and his office on the question of the Tourist Accommodation Tax. He was a strict LOGB when it came to the question of the Tax. Every hotel on the island had to submit the copies of the guest ledger and balance the cheque to the Government with the copies of the guest leger which showed the total tax charged and collected. Now, he is the man who has given Dart a deal giving him back a percentage of the tax, XXXXX
Deal with DEBT!
Foolio already got slapped down by Alden. Now he's back for more licks.
"with spending down by $11 million and revenue up around $6million it was on target for a $17 million increase in the forecast surplus of some $82million."
I look forward to seeing the audited financials.
Audited????????
Really??????
Ha Ha!!!!!
Seriously, we will need to support the auditor general and a very slow evolution to a competant civil service. A competant civil service will have to wait for many retirements.
Frying pan pulled out to make way for the fire!
How stupid and heartless can you be. Have some respect. It is obvious you haven't walked in his shoes. Trust me, that is not a walk you want to take.
I AGREE 100%
I would never want to be like Mac,
Do you realize it’s the anniversary of the death of his daughter. It’s just two years since he lost his loving wonderful little girl. Is it any wonder that anybody would pullout of a contentious debate on such an emotional anniversary. Irrespective of politics can we just show a little compassion…
Agreed compassion is due. No one would ever want to go through that…ever!
BUT, he had to have known that it was the anniversary when he agreed to be on the panel… The date didn't change.
Jus' sayin'…
The former Premier has got to be one of the smartest, un-educated people in the world. Michael Misick could have learned a lot from our dicktator. His daughter died 2 years ago. He knew that long before he had plans to join that debate. He has nothing of value to offer and ne now realises that, that is the reason for the backdown. As for Elio (Foolio) Solomon; He has a lot of nothing to contribute to any debate. I hope the election officials and the police ensure that every polling station for George Town id completely covered. That might keep the voter instruction cards from being passed around. (Just a thought/flashback).
I noticed she did not talk about transparency when it came to the for Dart Alliance. This make her complicit with bush when it comes to selling out our country to Dart.
Richard Parchment probably wrote that. I still can"t figure why he is there ? unless ……
Oh this is going to be good….Elio….seriously….OMG
This is good news, but replacing one #$^% with another does not enhance the quality of the debate. Hope he does not use the opportunity to raise funds for his idol's legal defence!
Throwing Foolio to the sharks. I like it.
Maybe he’ll put on his televangelist show. “Aw fo 1 n 1 fo aw” and repeat
Yes! I got the email pic too! Of Foolio getting baptized in a hot tub?!
Looks like the Church from Swamp where him, Mike and Mac been schmoozing lately: presenting themselves as upstanding Christians, you know.
Please don’t say he got baptized for appearances sake to help with elections??….well, it has helped his Idol maintain popularity, so it makes sense Foolio would do same antic